SOLO SHOW 2014

' Prana - The Life Within' SOLO SHOW, BASEL, 2014

Disappearing Dialogues research residency in M.P at Art Ichol

A unique art project with 13 collaborators from all over the globe for a Trans-disciplinary, cross cultural research on Art, Culture, Heritage, Environment, Indigenous community recording the tangible and intangible knowledge of Baghel and Budhelkhand region

Solo Disappearing dialogues-Show at Gallery Sanskriti, 2015

SOLO SHOWS

DISAPPEARING DIALOGUES

Time is hastily making a lot of things obsolete, irrelevant and outdated. But, if we care to put a different lens on the things that are of little or no significance in our life today, then we might come across a completely different story.

Disappearing Dialogues is a series of interactions with nature, people and object that are knocking on the doors of extinction.

It is a symbol of hope.

A plea that inspires us to treasure and preserve whatever lies within our reach in a world that’s hastily getting depleted.

We stand at a ‘critical point of inflexion’ where India -and to be more global - environment, life and heritage is under threat. Depleting wetlands, precious flora and fauna, species, shrinking natural resources, collective heritage - all put together, and beyond - are under threat. Lifestyles are impacted.

Change as I gladly accept is a natural phenomenon but the rate at which it is accelerated is making it extremely difficult for us to react, monitor and evaluate it appropriately. It is currently a debatable issue worldwide.

This project aims to learn from the nativity of the environment around us and measure its impact on our lives. Empowering lives to realise the symbiotic relationship that they share with environ and they’re past. Extensively working with people, in different places, specially younger generation igniting young minds. Collaborating with people from indigenous communities, learning from the rich and ancient societal structure which is an excellent antithesis to the modern life where we struggle to cope with our idiopathic environment.

A voice that stimulates a cultural response engages people, blends imagery and knowledge and embraces life with all its intricacies.

What is disappearing is also a repository of memories. Something that takes us backs in time and reminds us of experiences that are etched in our consciousness. They repulse, revolt, anger… yet all said and done, leave a void.

2013- ‘Nagarika’ a workshop on principles of movement in Indian physical traditions with Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts and Goethe-Institute, Kolkata; 'Art Workshop' with the inmates of central correctional home at Birla Academy of Art & Culture, Kolkata

2012 -Rhythm of Waves, Illuminated Wall & Ceiling Installation & ‘Anant’ a wall installation focusing on the spirit of life conceptualized as a spiral creation in etched brass; 'Theatre as a Pedagogic tool' an interactive workshop with eminent Mrs. Moloyshree Hashmi at MACE

2011- ‘Water lily’, Architectural Wall Installation, Bangalore ‘Homage to the people of Japan’ after the Earthquake in the presence of The Consulate General of Japan, Kolkata, Mr. Mitsuo Kawaguchi

'Disappearing Dialogues' Solo show at Gallery Sanskriti, 2015

'Disappearing Dialogues' Solo show at Gallery Sanskriti, 2015

'Disappearing Dialogues' Solo show at Gallery Sanskriti, 2015

Installation View

2011

Prana- The Life Within

The natural energy of the universe, the ‘Prana’ or ‘Chi’, the rhythmic flow of life, freedom of evolution, spontaneity of growth within the vast expanse of organic world gushing with vital energy and emotions has always been my primal mode of inspiration.

However, the drastic changes live processes are undergoing reflect on our very own existence. Somewhere beneath the surface, a gradual imbalance is occurring within life; life processes. The sudden outbursts, the unpredictable behavioral patterns, the unpresumptuous outcomes are rather alarming. As a result of throwing sustainability to the winds – and powered by motives of attaining seemingly endless levels of development, consumption and luxury – massive pollution and mindless exploitation of natural resources is evident, which is causing effects like rampant environmental degradation and fearsome global warming. These are playing havoc and are throwing up questions galore about the ongoing paradigm of development.

How can we ignore these undergoing drastic changes, living in our comfort zones? Our self-centric thought processes which always resonate with a self-centered philosophy like – ‘If I am well, then, all is well’. This centripetal life pattern keeps us caught up in our individualistic, self-serving and selfish life style perhaps oblivious about the possibility of any other state of being. At one point, it becomes extremely difficult to revert this cycle into a centrifugal pattern and open our vision to a greater life and what lies ahead.

Hence, before it is too late we need to feel the endless forces of this universe synchronizing with our own inner selves. Understanding the interdependent bonding of individual existence and the existence of life as a whole, we need to perceive life with all our senses; we need to feel it with our inner souls. We need to connect with our environment, in all senses of the term. Only by realizing and empathizing with our surrounding environment, we can attempt to maintain a balance and retain the natural flow of life ‘Prana’.

Being philosophically prone, and being a part of this turmoil, I feel the need to redefine and reinterpret life. I desire to understand, communicate and project the transformations gradually occurring in our own bodies, in the life processes of microbes and organisms in our environment and for that matter within the whole ecosystem. I wish to sensitize my viewers on their own evolving lives and send a notion that ‘WE NEED TO WAKE UP’ and see life from a different angle, at difficult times.

If you relate to my urge that goes beyond the din of debates, if you relate to the unanswered question emanating from the bosom of silence-‘are we wrecking the vital processes of life on this earth?’ – Then this is the time to become aware of the real value of life and take a proactive, pro-life stance. There is still opportunity to re-establish the missing link that completes the full circle.